First appointment one week from PN

Jen T

I had my PN last Thursday. I get my pathology report on Friday at my post op appointment. What questions should I ask?

I'm feeling pretty good. I just get very tired every 3-4 hours and need to lay down. The pain has been pretty manageable with medication. I haven't taken anything today and I'm feeling a little sore but not too bad. Thanks. 

 

APny

I asked questions about my

I asked questions about my path report which was also given me at my first follow up a week after PN. I made sure I questioned the grade and its implications, the stage, whether the margins were negative, and chances of recurrence based on the path report.

Glad to hear you're feeling pretty good and don't need pain meds after not even a week. Good for you! I also felt pretty tired but made sure to walk at least 5-6 minutes every hour. It was winter and snow/ice outside so I walked around my house but I'm convinced it helped my recovery.

Jen T

Thank you

thank you APny. I will definitely ask those questions. 

By the way I spoke too soon about not needing pain meds. I just took my prescription pain meds about 2 hours ago. I was getting very uncomfortable and being really grouchy with my kids because of the pain. It stinks because I don't want to lay down all day but if I try sitting or standing a long time eventually I get this nagging ache under my rib cage  & around my back. its not the incisions it's on the inside. I guess my poor kidney doesn't like all that jostling around. 

APny

It's best to keep ahead of

It's best to keep ahead of the pain. I took my pain meds for about 2 weeks post surgery, then after that I just relied on Tylenol which was enough. I basically tapered off slowly from the every four hours to every five, then six, and so on. It really is best not to lie down all day. You'll heal faster if you're moving. Just don't overdo it. Like I said, I'd walk around the house for 5-6 minutes every hour, hugging a pillow to the incision. It's good to get the circulation going and I really think it helped me heal quicker. But yes, you'll have aches and pains for a few weeks. Your insides were basically juggled around during surgery.

hardo718

Ask for a copy

because as you recover you may find yourself with more questions.  Some of which you can get answers to from your friends here and without calling the doc.

Donna~

Jen T

My appointment

my appointment went well. I did get a copy of the report. My doctor had it ready for me. I didn't even have to ask. The path report showed a 4cm T1a Fuhrman grade 2 clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma. The doc says that is pretty indolent form of renal cancer and my prognosis is very good. I looked it up when I got home and found a lot of info that says it is indeed a indolent form. He wants a repeat CT and chest X-ray I'm 3 months to look at this kidney and follow up on a cyst on the other kidney. I'll get scanned at 3mo, 6 mo and then 12. Them yearly for a while. I feel pretty confident in that follow up schedule. I feel relieved that this is the result. 

APny

Those are very good results.

Those are very good results. And grade 2 is pretty non-aggressive. Glad to hear it!

JerzyGrrl

Jen T said:

My appointment

my appointment went well. I did get a copy of the report. My doctor had it ready for me. I didn't even have to ask. The path report showed a 4cm T1a Fuhrman grade 2 clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma. The doc says that is pretty indolent form of renal cancer and my prognosis is very good. I looked it up when I got home and found a lot of info that says it is indeed a indolent form. He wants a repeat CT and chest X-ray I'm 3 months to look at this kidney and follow up on a cyst on the other kidney. I'll get scanned at 3mo, 6 mo and then 12. Them yearly for a while. I feel pretty confident in that follow up schedule. I feel relieved that this is the result. 

"Indolent"

"Indolent" is good on a path report. Not so good on an annual review at your workplace, but hey. 

Congrats on the very good news!

Jan4you

Sounds excellent with very

Sounds excellent with very good prognosis, Jen! Your report is exactly like mine.

3 years NED, you will be too~

Hugs, Jan